McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Motet performs at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Motet performs at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Motet performs at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Motet performs at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Motet performs at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Motet performs at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Noodles performs at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Noodles performs at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park. Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.
Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

The Russ Liquid Test perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Russ Liquid Test perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

The crowd cheering on Father John Misty at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The crowd cheering on Father John Misty at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Jai Wolf performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Jai Wolf performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

The Russ Liquid Test perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Russ Liquid Test perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Tossing a hula hoop while listening to The Russ Liquid Test perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Tossing a hula hoop while listening to The Russ Liquid Test perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Father John Misty perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Jai Wolf performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Jai Wolf performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

The Marcus King Band perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Marcus King Band perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

The Marcus King Band perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Marcus King Band perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

The Marcus King Band perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Marcus King Band perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

The Marcus King Band perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Marcus King Band perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

The Marcus King Band perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Marcus King Band perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

The Russ Liquid Test perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The Russ Liquid Test perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Father John Misty perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Father John Misty perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

The crowd cheering on Father John Misty at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

The crowd cheering on Father John Misty at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Washed Out perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Washed Out perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb

Gorgon City (Live) perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Gorgon City (Live) perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Gorgon City (Live) perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

White Denim perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

White Denim perform at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Jai Wolf performs at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Jai Wolf performs at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

Griz performs at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival 2018

Griz performs at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic

McDowell Mountain Music Festival pulled back on the EDM as it rolled into its third and final day.

But the mix of styles remained eclectic, from old-school funk to Southern soul and reggae-tinged pop-rock before the Revivalists closed out the main-stage by bringing the festival back to its jam-rocking roots (at least a little).

Jay Allan, uncommonly good

Jay Allan & the Uncommon Good got the festival off to a rowdy start with an even stronger set than they played last year.

Allan shared the spotlight with his female backup singers on two songs, including a crowd-pleasing cover of "Gimme Shelter" with Cassidy Hilgers confirming her standing as one of the Valley's most exciting singers.

They're actually blessed with three commanding vocalists in Allan, Hilgers and Gail Lichtenstein, whose showcase was another major highlight of the set.

For a band led by someone who strums an acoustic guitar, they rocked with conviction, thanks to the powerful rhythm section of Brenden McBride on bass and the heavy-hitting drums of Geoff Jouas.

And guitar Jayson Johnson sweetened the deal with a series of impressive solos, bringing the folky ballad "Break My Fall" to a soaring melodic climax with his lead work.

Scattered Melodies

It makes more than perfect sense that Scattered Melodies, a group whose only two official members are drummer Josh Montag and bassist Jake Johnston, would know their way around a groove as they made their way from funk to reggae to Steve Miller's "Fly Like an Eagle."

The core duo were joined by a rotating cast of collaborators, including two sax players and Hourglass Cats guitarist Cori Rios, with Haley Green and Laura Hamlin serving as both vocalists and MCs.

Highlights ranged from a heartfelt "Community" to the reggae-rocking "Gypsy Girl," a very funky version of their latest single, "You Bad," and, because it was fun and familiar, which goes over well at a festival, "Fly Like an Eagle."

The Lonesome Wilderness

The Lonesome Wilderness drafted Jess Pruitt to fill in on bass because Andrea Golfen, their bassist, had just had a baby 11 days earlier. So did guitarist Joe Golfen, who fronts the band, but it's not quite the same.

It was a raucous set, starting with "Karma" and kicking it up a notch with the reckless garage-punk abandon of "Hundred Years," which swaggered with authority and featured a really nice wah-guitar part from another Golfen – Joe's brother, Paul.

They explored a more Southwestern flavor on "Cigarettes" and a breezier beach vibe on the understated "Tropicana" before dusting off the psychedelic pop smarts of "Alright," which featured some suitably Beatlesque harmonies and Paul Golfen adding the perfect tambourine part.

By the time Brian Weis settled into the undeniable beat of "Stay Out of the Sun," I had already missed too much of Anderson East on the main stage, so I can't tell you how it ended, but the part I saw was great.

Anderson East

I can say this for Anderson East. Good Lord, that man can sing. And not just sing but also shout.

At one point, on "Learning," East let out the most exhilarating, Wilson Pickett-worthy scream I've heard since I last listened to a Wilson Pickett record. It was the sort of moment for which "showstopping" would almost be an understatement.

And it was not the only moment like that, either.

Anderson East performs at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.(Photo: Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic)

East's new album, "Encore," is sweet Southern soul at its finest, making the most of a vocal style that's sure to speak to fans of Otis Redding and Ray LaMontagne.

But it's more exciting live, where he threw in a spot-on rendition of Sam & Dave's "Hold On, I'm Coming" to complement such highlights as "Satisfy Me," "All On My Mind" (on which briefly traded in his gritty, shades-of-Otis rasp for a sweet soul falsetto) and a set-closing "This Too Shall Last."

He's also a bit of hotshot on guitar and it wouldn't be nearly as exciting if he hadn't assembled such a stellar touring band, including horns and organ (because, really, why would anybody even try to do this type of music without horns and organ).

Lucky Chops

You may not think the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” lends itself to reinterpretation as an instrumental done on trombone, trumpet, tenor sax and Sousaphone with drums. And you’d be wrong.

In fact, it could be argued that the Lucky Chops made “Helter Skelter” sound like it was written just for them, especially when the trumpet player hit that high note on the part where Paul McCartney sings, “And I see you AGAIN!!”

With regard to the name, though, they're especially lucky about the chops the guys in Lucky Chops are bringing to the table here.

They’re all extremely talented musicians who clearly put a lot of time and effort into these arrangements, from their own songs to the covers, which included Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” and a crowd-pleasing mashup of Lipps Inc.’s “Funkytown” and James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good).”

O.A.R.

O.A.R. set the tone for their set with the reggae-flavored rocking of "52-50," a vibe they would return to many times in the course of their mainstage performance.

That reggae flavor used to be their stock in trade and although the scope of their sound a bit since rolling out of Rockville with "The Wanderer" in 1997, its still in their DNA.

And they're still doing songs from that first album, including "Black Rock," "About Mr. Brown" and "That Was a Crazy Game of Poker," which incorporates the longer version of their band name, Of A Revolution. ("I say 'of,' you say 'a,' I say 'revolution'").

They also covered "Pawn Shop" by Sublime.

Elsewhere, they slipped into upbeat guitar rock mode ("Love and Memories") and several songs that would sound right at home on mainstream country radio ("Shattered," "Heaven," "Peace") .

The Motet

As the Motet took the stage, their singer, Lyle Divinsky, told us, "Don't you worry. We're about to party like a mother." But it's doubtful anyone who's ever seen these guys perform was worried.

They set the tone with the hard-grooving funk of "The Truth," Divinsky letting out the greatest scream I'd heard since that one scream in East's set.

The Motet performs at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.(Photo: Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic)

When after one song, you announce “We ‘bout to take over like we own this motherf—ker right here” and the cold, exhausted music critic shouts back “You already did,” it’s pretty clear that you already did.

It's also pretty clear to anyone who knows the Motet's music that introducing "Like We Own It," the audience taking them up on their advice to "dance like the night will never see the light."

At that point, Divinsky said, "I think it's starting to turn into a party right now." And the party just kept raging, the momentum never wavering as they proceeded through such highlights as "Supernova," which featured a stellar funk-bass solo, and "Keep On Don't Stoppin."

The Revivalists

It was freezing (in Phoenix degrees) by the time the Revivalists brought the final day of the 15th annual McDowell Mountain Music Festival to a crowd-pleasing finish with Tom Petty's "Refugee" at the end of a 90-minute set.

And much to their credit, they managed to hold a huge chunk of the crowd to the bitter cold end.

The Revivalists perform at McDowell Mountain Music Festival on March. 4, 2018 at Margaret T. Hance Park.(Photo: Jim Louvau/Special for The Republic)

They opened with "Bulletproof," a pop song with a U2-worthy sense of atmosphere, and worked in elements of hip-hop, funk and reggae as they made their way through such highlights as "Stand Up," "Criminal," "Need You," "Keep Going" and "It Was a Sin."

And with "Bulls on Parade," they became the second band of the weekend to take on a Rage Against the Machine song.

M3F Day 2: EDM, Afrobeat, Father John Misty

By the time GRiZ brought the second day of McDowell Mountain Music Festival to a close with a hard-hitting set of his sax-driven future funk, it was clear that EDM had overtaken anything resembling rock and roll as the primary draw at a festival whose rebranding apparently goes beyond the recent name change.

And yet, M3F, as its taken to calling itself, remains a willfully eclectic assortment of genres, allowing for highlights as unlikely to be found at a Relentless Beats event as Father John Misty's acoustic-guitar-driven folk rock, White Denim's headbanging onslaught of stoner-rock, "Nuggets" and prog-rock, and Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra.

Where was the jam-rock that once defined the festival, now in its 15th year?

Well, they're still doing drum circles, right?

And the musicality that drives the jam scene was in full effect, from the klezmer-driven funk and world-music explorations of Jerusafunk to GRiZ and his guitarist trading licks over their programmed beats.

The only EDM act I saw Saturday that aging rockists could accuse of just standing there pushing a button (not that there's anything wrong with that) was Jai Wolf.

GRiZ was all about the musicality. A reviewer at EDMIdentity recently wrote that the "jammy productions featuring GRiZ on sax and Muzzy Bearr on guitar that had me thinking I might have been teleported to the Phish concert a few miles north."

And watching people watching Jai Wolf, you could see another even more pervasive carryover from the jam scene in their smiling faces as they danced – a community coming together for the shared experience of losing themselves in the music, still getting themselves back to the Garden.

Jerusafunk

Day 2 started, as it tends to, with a set of local music – this time by Jerusafunk, who opened with a klezmer instrumental called "Der Heyser Bulgar."

I believe it was guitarist Chris Del Favero, dressed in psychedelic leggings and a bright pink pillbox hat, who said, "I know it's early but we can still get sexy" by way of introducing "Gateway Movement."

And it was a sexy funk groove, topped by Del Favero's quirky falsetto while allowing the horn section – in addition to saxophone and trombone, they have Jessie Demaree on clarinet – plenty of room to solo.

Then, they asked, "You guys like cumbia?" and followed through with "La Cumbia Bicuriosa," which featured a great clarinet solo, before bringing the set to a close with "Stardust Lizard Fruit," which had sort of a psychedelic jazz vibe going.

It was a great start to the day, from their colorful outfits to the way they filtered musical ambition through a sense of fun.

Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra

Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra have always struck me as musicians striving for some sort of spiritual transcendence. And I'm pretty sure they got there in the course of Saturday's performance, the 16 musicians who make up the collective grooving hard to the Afrobeat rhythms while making their way through such PAO staples as "Push" and "Blossom."

It helps that those 16 musicians include four percussionists, with Joel Oroz on drums, Dave Cosme on percussion, Melissa Waddell on shekere and Scott White on conga and percussion.

But every musician on that stage is involved in the rhythmic intensity they're throwing down. It's like they're all part of the rhythm section at times, from bassist David Marquez (obviously) to the four-man horn squad, two guitarists and a keyboard player.

And the power of the groove is reinforced by the non-stop movement of their vocalists – Leader of Rituals Camille Sledge, Andria Bunnell, Mitch Freedom and Chanel Bragg.

There were brilliant solos all around, from Aldy Montufar on trumpet to Jeff Jones on the tenor sax. And Sledge remains the local scene's most captivating presence in addition to a formidable vocalist.

After bringing the set to an overheated climax with "Oppression Scatter," they kept the energy on high as they closed with "Payaso," a song inspired by a certain U.S. president, as Sledge reminded us, with a smile, while explaining that the title is Spanish for clown.

The day peaked early with their set, suggesting that they should have gone on after Magic City Hippies, the next act on the main stage, whose hip-hop-flavored hipster funk just didn't have the energy to hold that spot.

More locals

Daisy's set was plagued by PA feedback and other technical difficulties involving tracks that wouldn't work. At one point, singer-guitarist Anthony Perre said, "Technology. Can't live with it. Can't live without it. Am I right?"

You could tell it was a frustrating experience for Perre and his bandmates, but they handled it like pros and just kept playing what they'd come to play, regardless of whatever issues they were having with the sound.

Romen Buffalo and the Loyal Order just seemed happy to be there. And that only added to the charm and entertainment value of their set, which included bluegrass versions of the Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man" and the Replacements' "Can't Hardly Wait."

Buffalo – if that's his real name (insert winking-face emoji) – leads the band on acoustic guitar and vocals, and his bandmates flesh out the songs with traditional bluegrass instrumentation (banjo, dobro, mandolin and upright bass).

They're funny, too. As I was walking over after catching part of Magic City Hippies' set, they were explaining that they have two rules in their band. "Rule No. 1: No drinking during the gospel songs. Rule No. 2: No gospel songs."

Russ Liquid Test

Led by Russell Scott on brass and keys, Russ Liquid Test are a New Orleans trio who filter funk and jazz through modern electronic textures and a jam-rock sensibility.

There were too many beats going on in the opening track, but once they found their groove, it was clear how great their drummer, Deven Trusclair, is when the tracks aren't so rhythmically cluttered.

One song even felt a little like the sort of beat John Bonham might have payed.

Guitarist Andrew Block has some serious chops and has clearly worked hard on the sound of what he's playing.

And Scott is a musical monster, whether blowing jazz sax on a song that either worked the funky side of smooth jazz or the smooth-jazz side of funk or running his keys through a talk box on more than one highlight.

Father John Misty

Father John Misty is as close as we got to a household name in this year's lineup. And by household, I mean a place where someone might have seen his "SNL" performance, which was great.

The charismatic singer strolled onstage in a suit jacket, flowing orange scarf and sunglasses, his post-Doors Hipster Jesus look in full effect as he led his bandmates in "I Love You, Honeybear" on acoustic guitar.

When I saw him last year at Coachella, he put the focus squarely on the just-released "Pure Comedy," which would, of course, go on to be among the year's most celebrated albums.

This was the festival set. Or as close to a festival set as you're likely to get from an artist as unlikely to do what's expected as Josh Tillman, who followed "Honeybear" by reaching back to his first album for the soft-rock classic, "Nancy From Now On," which featured some really nice falsetto on the chorus.

After three more classics from his first two albums – "Chateau Lobby #4 (In C for Two Virgins)," "Only Son of the Ladiesman" and "Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings" – he brought us up to date with a beautiful reading of "Dear Mr. Tillman."

But first, he took a moment to joke about the bra that had been thrown onstage while he was singing about picking out a tomb at the Hollywood Cemetery.

"Our esteemed sponsor backed out the second a bra hit the stage," he said, going on to note that Dale's Pale Ale is "family-friendly" beer.

He was seven songs deep before he dipped into "Pure Comedy" with a brilliant performance of "Total Entertainment Forever."

Then, he announced, in his best deadpan, "OK, this is a total festival banger. For you," as a lead-in to "Bored in the USA.," an ode to apathy on which he sets the tone with, "How many people rise and say, 'My brain's so awfully glad to be here for yet another mindless day'"?

That was followed by the darkly comic "Ballad of the Dying Man," in which a self-important narcissist is lying on his deathbed finding comfort in the knowledge that the world is sure to go to Hell without his guidance.

The unabashedly romantic "Real Love, Baby" offered a break from the darkness.

But that was quickly followed by the even darker comedy and pathos of "Holy S--t," in which the line "And life is brief, so I've heard, but what's that got to do with the atom bomb in me?" touched off an explosion, resulting in total cacophony accompanied by flashing lights.

And then, he signed off with the first and only flat-out rocker of his set, "The Ideal Husband," shouting his way through the energetic climax while bathed in flashing lights.

White Denim

White Denim perform at The McDowell Mountain Music Festival on saturday, March 3, 2018, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.(Photo: Lisa Webb/Special for The Republic)

White Denim kicked out the jams with the reckless abandon of punk and the bombast of the Who rocking Leeds University with occasional detours into something quite like prog (or maybe that was just the keyboard sound).

No one rocked as hard as these guys in the first two days. Not that anyone tried to, really.

Early in the set, guitarist James Petralli told the crowd that chose to see them rather than experiencing Gorgon City (Live), "This is our first gig in quite some time. We're happy to be here."

They certainly seemed to be happy to be here, given the enthusiasm and energy with which they threw themselves into the music.

Highlights ranged from a song Petralli said they'd never played before to the old-school rock-and-roll of "Real Deal Momma" and the heavy funk groove of “Ha Ha Ha Ha (Yeah)”

M3F Day 1: Dr. Dog, EDM and more

Dr. Dog brought the opening day of McDowell Mountain Music Festival to a crowd-pleasing close Friday night with a raucous set that offset old favorites with songs from "Critical Equation," their forthcoming album.

At least for those who chose to be on that side of the park.

Now in its 15th year, M3F, as it's taken to branding itself, has expanded this year to three stages, which means for the first time in the history of the festival, a person had to choose between two acts in certain time slots.

So while Dr. Dog played to a crowd that featured members of two of the day's most entertaining rock acts, Seratones and Andy Frasco & the U.N., Big Gigantic had a huge crowd dancing to the beat on the much larger Rattlesnake Stage on the other side of Margaret T. Hance Park.

Decisions, decisions.

I had planned to take King Solomon's advice and cut the kid in half, bailing on Dr. Dog's set halfway through to catch the second half of Big Gigantic. But every so often, a set is so good, you can't bring yourself to walk away.

That was Dr. Dog Friday in Phoenix.

They reached back to 2012 to start the set in "Be the Void" mode with "That Old Black Hole" and a raucous "These Days" before sharing the first of several new songs, a dreamy psychedelic ballad called "Listening In."

From there, they made their way through such crowd-pleasing highlights as impassioned "Survive," "Bring My Baby Back," "Distant Light" and "The Truth," on which their always spot-on harmonies seemed especially sweet, before returning to the new release for "Go Out Fighting," which sounded even better live.

"The Way the Lazy Do" rocked especially hard, bringing the set to an explosive climax, after which bass-playing vocalist Toby Leaman said, "Nobody likes to hear these words, but here's another new song."

That isn't entirely true and did not prove to be the case in this scenario. The song went over really well, after which they brought their portion of the concert to a close with two more oldies, "Shadow People" and "Lonesome."

Treasurefruit

Hours earlier, Treasurefruit got the party started with a main-stage set whose highlights included the slinky psychedelic swagger of "The Prey," "Teddy Bears Picnic" and the bass-propelled garage-punk vibe of "Lean A Little Closer" and "Pretty Baby."

Fronted by Anamieke Quinn, the local rockers have expanded their ranks since last year's festival to include a second backup singer, Tatiana Crespo, who told a goofy joke involving chicken tenders and served as a great onstage foil for Cassidy Hilgers.

The show also featured Matt Ventre, who played on their “Poisonous Dwellers of the Desert” album and turned in some flashy guitar leads. The set also featured some really sax work from Dave Siebler.

Jane N the Jungle

The local rock continued with Jane N the Jungle, whose singer, Jordan White, turned in the day's most awe-inspiring show of force on vocals. It was like hearing a young Pat Benatar belting it out at the helm of a '90s alternative-rock band.

And she did it while constantly moving as she led her four-piece band in such highlights as "Fire Away," which may have her most impressive vocal of the day, and an emotional reading of the power ballad, "Killed Someone."

After playing their latest single, "Open Road," White thanked the crowd and told them, "If you really like the music, I will give you a CD."

Wyves

Wyves had an eventful day. First, they finished recording their next album with Bob Hoag at Flying Blanket Recording in Mesa. Then, they drove to Phoenix for their third appearance at McDowell Mountain Music Festival.

They opened with "The Speed of Sound," the new album's first single.

And after dusting off "Bad Reputation" and "Goodtimes" from "Spoils of War," Corey Gloden introduced a soulful Rod Stewart-esque rocker called "Leroy" as "a new one," saying, "It'll be on the record we just finished today, literally this afternoon."

Then, after sharing the brand new "Princess Excess," Gloden introduced "B---h Has Got Problems" as "kind of a local anthem," bringing Cassidy Hilgers of Treasurefruit back out to join him in a fiery duet that provided a showcase for two of the Valley's finest singers.

Andy Frasco & the U.N.

Andy Frasco & the U.N. are ridiculously entertaining. And ridiculous as well. But that's what makes them so damn entertaining. That and the fact that they're also amazing musicians who just happen to be total goofs.

I'd never seen these guys before and I was totally on board before they'd even finished their first song, a shot of old-school rock and roll, complete with saxophone, but played with the reckless abandon of punk.

Or a reckless abandon fit to make a lot of punk bands seem like they were holding something back.

And it only got better from there as they powered their way through such crowd-pleasing highlights as "Who's Making Love" (an old Stax Records hit for Johnnie Taylor), "Walk a Little Taller" and "Its Been a Struggle."

After goofing their way through a medley of Montell Jordan's "This is How We Do it" and Naughty By Nature's "O.P.P.," Frasco climbed off stage and took a chair into the crowd, where he announced, "I'm gonna need six strong hippies to raise me up in this chair."

It wasn't long before the man was hoisted in the air to lead his bandmates in "Hava Nagila" while the audience danced in a circle around him.

How does someone even top that? If you're Frasco, you divide the audience in two and have them run at each other, with one side as Patrick Swayze and the other Danny Zuko. (I think those were the names he used. By that point, I was having too much fun to write it down).

A few songs later, they ended their set on an unexpected note – a fiery cover of Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name."

It was hard to watch Cut Copy after that. They sounded great as they made their way from "Black Rainbows" to "Airborne," "Future" and the throbbing house beat of their breakthrough single "Hearts on Fire." But their presence was so low-key after Frasco that I went to check out Seratones instead.

Seratones

I can't say for sure if their debut album is called "Get Gone" in tribute to that point in "Milkcow Blues Boogie" where Elvis Presley stops his bandmates and says "Hold it, fellas. That don't move me. Let's get real, real gone."

But I would like to think it is. And they certainly know their way around the history of rock and roll.

The Shreveport rockers' sound is a spirited blend of old-school rock and roll and Memphis soul. And they're blessed with a focal point in leader A.J. Haynes whose powerful vocals are matched by her equally powerful presence (with bonus points for fashion sense).

She introduced one song with "Angela Davis said 'Freedom is a constant struggle'" and responded to the crowd's enthusiasm with "Y'all giving me the giggles."

After bringing the set to a smoldering climax with "Don't Need It," Haynes and her bandmates signed off with a show-stopping, stage-leaving, jaw-dropping version of "Trees."

As Haynes told MySpace in 2016, "I get most excited to play 'Trees' at the end of the set because I get to put my guitar down and run around like a banshee. And there are few things that I enjoy more than that."

Lemaitre

Lemairtre take an interesting approach to EDM, layering synths, guitar and other instruments over their beats and loops, occasionally piping in vocals but more often doing their own live vocals.

Midway through the set, the singer said, "Please welcome to the stage the most sexy horn players that you'll ever see."

And with that, four horn players emerged and remained on stage for the duration of the set, which featured such highlights as "Playing to Lose," "Time to Realize," "Not Too Late" and "Last Night on Earth," on which they memorably sing, "We are stupid, we are sad / We are horrible but not bad."

Nick Murphy

Back when he was going by Chet Faker, this Australian took home Breakthrough Artist of the Year on the strength of an EP called "Thinking in Textures" at the Australian Independent Records Awards.

Six years later, the man is still thinking in textures, if the sound of Friday's set is any indication.

After setting the tone for his performance with the abstract post-punk textures of two new tracks, he followed "Forget About Me" with an announcement.

"Hello, Phoenix. That was some new s--t. This is some old s--t." And with that, he reached back to 2014's "Built on Glass" for "Gold" and "1998.”

By the time he'd settled into "Talk is Cheap" near the end of his set, it was clear that Murphy is a master of creating atmosphere and drama.

Even when the heavy bass of "Medication" kicked in two songs later, he managed to increase the energy without sacrificing the mood he'd spent an hour cultivating.

Mura Masa

Mura Masa is Alex Crossan, a 21-year-old EDM DJ/producer from England whose energy as he moves from his synth pad to keyboards to drums to electric guitar is contagious.

Crossan's sound is hip-hop-saturated electronic pop whose vocal hooks were brought to life on stage by Fliss.

She nailed each part regardless of what featured singer had originally done it on the Mura Masa record, from the hip-hop swagger of "Nuggets" to the Charli XCX-assisted pop of "1 Night" and on through a set that played out like a greatest hits show, every song delivering the goods.

Highlights ranged from those already mentioned to “Nothing Else!,” “Helpline,” “All Around the World,” “Lotus Eater,” “Low,” a soulful, sultry "Are You There?" and "Love$ick."